Cristiano Ronaldo on Man Utd exit and time at Al Nassr so far ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers – ‘Now I’m a better man’

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is “a better man” following his exit from Manchester United five months ago.

He joined Al Nassr at the start of this year for a reported €200 million per year and has scored two hat-tricks as his side are in a battle to win the league against Al-Ittihad.

“Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side,” Ronaldo told the press.

“I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets. Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.

“When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below. Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important, because I had never been through this, like in the last few months. Now I’m a better man.”

Portugal take on Liechtenstein at home on Thursday and travel to Luxembourg on Sunday, where Ronaldo will become the most capped international player ever if he is given a run out by Martinez, who has the backing of the 38-year-old.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is a very committed player,” said Martinez. “He can bring experience and is a very important figure for the team. I don’t look at age.

“Football decisions have to be taken on the field of play. I’m not an office decision-making coach. So my starting point is to get to all the players and I want to get in touch with them.”